It's a long proven fact that companion animals reduce stress and depression and add quality of life to their humans. This fact is especially so in the case of seniors who often find themselves facing difficult situations such as loss of a spouse, an empty nest and other realities associated with aging.
Paws 4 You Rescue established the Seniors 4 Seniors Program with the first-hand knowledge that adult and senior dogs are often the best fit for seniors and retirees.
Last month a retired clinical psychologist from Jupiter, Florida, adopted Muffy from our organization. Muffy is a Schnauzer/Cairn Terrier mix weighing around twelve pounds and had the perfect qualities to match the life of an active senior pet owner. Barbara shared valuable insights with our organization that may help other seniors determine the right time to adopt, the dog qualities that might compliment their lifestyle, and how to better understand how a canine companion will change their lives - not to mention how they will impact the life of a rescue dog. She contacted our Rescue back in January seeking information about Muffy and the first thing we noticed was her awareness and knowledge that dog companionship was very important, especially following the loss of her husband of many years.
Barbara recognized the need for companionship while at home. As a psychologist, and behaviorally trained professional, she was aware that this feeling of sharing a home and caring for something or someone was missing in her daily routine. She enjoys good health, has wonderful children and grand children, and lives in a fantastic community surrounded by other active seniors. There is no shortage of activities that interest and entertain her, yet the lack of company in the house felt like a big void. She plays bridge, enjoys the theater and dinners out but still, her time at home just wasn't the same. It really felt like something was missing. She had owned dogs before and kept thinking about those wonderful times together and how ready she was for a dog again, now more than ever.
It was clear that she had the conditions to be a great pet owner. Barbara lives in a quiet community with lots of green space and she was prepared to give Muffy numerous daily walks, adapt her home to make it pet friendly, and spend quality time with her new friend. In short, she was the perfect person for a Paws 4 You adoption or foster program.
Muffy is an absolutely perfect dog and Barbara loves coming home to her cheerful, playful greetings. She describes Muffy as a sweet, smart and polite dog. They go to the community dog park almost daily, stroll around the golf course and have a great time when friends visit with their dogs. She enjoys the responsibility and of course, the companionship because Muffy really lifts her spirits. Muffy found her forever home!
Muffy and BarbaraMany seniors tell us they are concerned about the future, caring for a dog for years to come and about having enough health to provide the daily routine a dog needs. This is, of course, very important to Paws 4 You Rescue as well. There is no denying that owning a dog is a commitment, and one the prospective pet owner needs to be ready to embrace. There is great reward in caring for something or someone. Muffy gives Barbara back many times over what she receives. And for everyone involved, there's no doubt this is a win-win situation.
Minimally, the senior interested in adopting needs to be able to go on short walks or provide a secure, fenced area where the dog can have bathroom breaks and time to exercise and get a little sunshine. Time outdoors is vital for everyone's own well-being too by the way. Paws 4 You Rescue is available to assist those enrolled in our Seniors 4 Seniors Program in going to and from our local veterinarian. We provide a support system to cover participants when traveling or not feeling well. If anything were to happen, we are committed to the dog and will find another foster home for our four legged friend.
Facts About Owning/Fostering in the Seniors 4 Seniors Program at Paws 4 You Rescue:An older dog will need less rigorous exercise. Also, a dog over the age of eight years old will have already been through the difficult puppy and young years, making him or her less prone to chewing and rambunctious behavior. A senior dog will be less likely to pull on a leash as well.
The best way to know which dog is right is to foster for a short time. The rescue group has dozens of adult and senior dogs and one is bound to be a perfect match!
Rebecca enjoys fostering the Rescue's senior female beagles that are saved from the local pound. She enjoys providing companionship and love to the older dogs that may not find their forever homes right away. Look for her at our weekend events and ask her about our Seniors Program!
Rebecca with Mandy
About the Seniors 4 Seniors Program:
The Seniors 4 Seniors Program matches eligible seniors with mature dogs who are compatible in terms of size, needs for exercise, lifestyles and personalities. Our Rescue provides vet visits and covers medical treatments and asks that the seniors provide basic care and companionship while a permanent home is found. For information about this Program, contact: seniors@paws4you.org.
